Alchemised is a dark, gritty fantasy novel that has received strong acclaim for its emotional depth, complex characters, and intricate world-building. It deals with intense themes such as war, trauma, survival, and sacrifice, making it a heavy but rewarding read. The story centers on Helena, a woman with lost memories caught in a brutal war-torn world involving necromancy and alchemy. Reviews praise the book for its poetic writing, compelling character development, and the raw portrayal of the human condition in extreme circumstances. However, some find the pacing slow at times, and certain parts of the story, particularly in the final third, do not delve deeply enough into the emotional aftermath of earlier events. Key points from reviews include:

• The novel is emotionally intense and disturbing, focusing on survival rather than romance.
• The world-building and magic system are highly praised as original and immersive.
• Characters are complex with flaws and emotional turmoil.
• The narrative is non-linear, which some readers find challenging but effective.
• Frequent comparisons are made to other dark fantasy works and the book has roots in fanfiction by the same author.
• The ending leaves some readers wanting more closure on key emotional arcs.
• Overall, it is regarded as a powerful and masterfully crafted dark fantasy debut.

This makes Alchemised a must-read for fans of harsh but beautiful fantasy, where love is imperfect and survival exacts a high cost.